Jobs for Medical Graduates Without Residency

By Jill Leviticus; Updated July 05, 2017

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New doctors have more than one career path available after graduation. Whether you’ve decided that clinical medicine isn’t for you or you didn’t find a match, you can find a job, even if you didn’t complete a residency. Now is the perfect time for you to combine some of your other interests and talents with your medical degree.

Write About It

Medical writers are in demand in a variety of industries. Your medical degree qualifies you to work for a variety of companies, including pharmaceutical and health care companies, Internet health sites, research laboratories, health publications and advertising agencies. The type of work depends on the employer, but as a medical writer you might write clinical research protocol reports, research protocols, grant applications, training materials, advertising copy, articles or news releases. Depending on the position, you’ll be writing for a variety of audiences, ranging from professional to lay groups, and will need to tailor your writing style to fit the level of the audience.

Sell It

If you enjoy sales and have an outgoing personality, medical sales or marketing might be a good career for you. Medical sales representatives sell equipment to hospitals and physicians. The job requires an in-depth understanding of medical conditions and diseases and knowledge about the benefits of medical technology. You also might work in the marketing end of the business or work as a representative for pharmaceutical company. Pharmaceutical company representatives visit medical offices, pharmacists and hospitals to promote and sell various medications produced by companies.

A Little More Education

Teaching is another option. You can take advantage of your education and affinity for science as an instructor at a medical school or college. With your education and experience, a job in the continuing medical education department of a hospital might be the perfect job. Teaching science at the high school level is a possibility if you are willing to take the classes you’ll need to get a teaching certificate. Additional education also can help you enter the business world, particularly if you add an MBA to your M.D. degree. Doctors with business experience advise companies on strategies, investments and trends at health care and pharmaceutical companies. If working for someone else isn’t appealing, consider opening your own health care consulting business.

Other Possibilities

You might find medicine fascinating, but don’t like the idea of working with patients. If that’s the case, research might be a good choice for you. You also might consider working for a nonprofit health organization as a science or medical director. Other options include positions in market research or health insurance, or a job as a drug safety officer. Drug safety officers help pharmaceutical companies ensure that their research efforts follow proper procedures and meet all regulatory guidelines and rules.

About the Author

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